A respected cultural centre used by tens of thousands of residents is set to take the Arts Council to court over the 'illegal' decision to cut its funding.

Solicitors acting for the Watermans Centre in Brentford High Street last week issued a legal writ challenging the 'flawed' move to slice nearly £500,000 from its annual budget.

The 'letter before action' gives the Arts Council - which hands out public money to cultural venues - until March 28 to respond.

It called on the organisation to set aside its original decision in December last year, upheld in an appeal by Watermans in January, and reinstate funding for the next three years.

A spokesman for the centre warned: "If the Arts Council fails to remedy the flaws in its decision making and reverse its decision, Watermans shall consider immediately commencing judicial review proceedings."

The Arts Council plans to end its handouts due to serious concerns over the running of Watermans, its 'poor performance' in key areas and because, it claims, its business plan is failing.

It also maintained Hounslow Council's failure to match its own level of funding in recent years was a contributing factor.

But centre bosses argue the decision was based on 'unsubstantiated and inaccurate evidence' and insist documents supporting their case presented during the appeal process were ignored.

The riverside facility is one of London's leading promoters of Asian arts, and also runs scores of community projects for vulnerable people.

An Arts Council spokeswoman insisted its decision was 'fair' and the body would 'strongly defend' its position in court.

Too find out more about how to support the centre and what is coming up visit the Watermans website